Some advice re:proflex4500 smart shock

[Proflex4500]

Hi-
i recently bought a used 4500 with smart shock front and rear.
two questions:

1.Since i come from road biking and intending to use the k2 mostly, not only, for crazy new york pavement/curb/pothole manipulation, id like to really toughen the rear shock as its too flexible for city riding and the bike is hardly moving(speed!!!!).
what can i do before i replace that shock? adjust? tighten?

2. same thing with tires, i need city/up the bridge speed.
which tires would you recommend?

i know its not a road bike but its really hard for me to get used to the turtle speed i get with the specs i have... [smiley=yawn.gif]

thanks so much!!!

R.

[Matno]

Not a lot you can do to adjust those shocks. The only recommendation I have is to try a stiffer spring. Post your weight and the weight of the spring, and we can make some recommendations for you.

I've replaced mine with a Stratos Helix Pro, which has a lockout. Very nice for cruising on the pavement, but honestly, here in the Bronx, the roads are so bad I prefer to use the rear suspension! (And I ride my road bike most of the time...)

[Dennis]

proflex 4500,

you can try skinny tires and stiffen up suspension as much as you can.

imho, the 4500 is waaaay too good (and rare) to use as a mere city bike. bring it out here to LI and i will show you some good trails and two K2 carbons can ride together (assuming you are in NYC)!

using it is a city bike will mean that it won't last too long. I hope you realize that these bikes were only made for a couple years and are extremely rare and cool.

just my opinion, take it or leave it. advice is worth what you pay for it.

[smiley=groucho.gif]

[Proflex4500]

Hey all,
thanks for your replies.


Dennis-
i would LOVE to do some trails- let me know where and when-
im there!
(yes, im in brooklyn).

now, what do you mean "it wont last long" that's scary...

i replaced the tires yesterday to conti sport contact which are 1.6 slicks.
they feel good and the bike is indeed faster.
However, i wouldnt want to do any damage as im really in love with this bike the more i ride it. BTW, what makes it rare/different than other K2 proflex models?
please elaborate.

thanks
again,

Rea.

[Dennis]

Rea,

the 4500 is the carbon bike, right? well, they didn't make very many of them. they are variously called 4500, 5500, and Oz. mine is an Oz.

There are trails right near me in Syosset. I am available on weekday afternoons and weekend mornings. the problem with weekends is that the trails get crowded because of all the people coming out from Brooklyn!! [smiley=laughing.gif]

what I meant about it not lasting long in the city is the fact that since it such a cool bike, somebody would probably snatch it.

anyway, good luck with it, and get a really good lock. these bikes are basically irreplaceable at this time.

[smiley=groucho.gif]